intermediate3 min read
Finding the Right Sharpening Angle for Your Knife
Japanese knives use 15 degrees, German knives use 20 degrees — match the angle to your blade.
Common Angles
- 110–15 deg per side — Japanese knives. Very sharp, best for precision.
- 215–20 deg per side — most Western knives. Balance of sharpness and durability.
- 320–25 deg per side — cleavers and heavy-duty knives.
- 4Single-bevel (Japanese traditional) — one side only at 10–15 deg.
How to Find Your Angle
- 1Check manufacturer recommendation.
- 2Place blade flat on stone, raise spine until a coin fits under it — roughly 15 deg.
- 3Two stacked coins is roughly 20 deg.
- 4Maintain the same angle consistently.
